NFC East & NFC North 2026 NFL Draft Report Cards – Full Team Grades and Breakdown

The 2026 NFL Draft has wrapped up, and every team’s performance over the three days has been carefully reviewed. This evaluation focuses not only on the talent of the players selected but also on how effectively each franchise addressed key roster needs, used their picks wisely, and followed a clear long-term plan.

Nate Tice breaks down the NFC teams, while Charles McDonald covers the AFC. Below is a detailed look at the NFC East and NFC North divisions.

NFC East Division

Dallas Cowboys – Grade: B+

Overall Assessment

The Cowboys had a productive draft that strengthened several areas, starting with a strong first-round choice. Selecting Caleb Downs was widely expected and turned out to be an excellent decision. The Ohio State safety brings outstanding talent and leadership to a secondary that desperately needed an upgrade.The early selection of Malachi Lawrence raised some questions due to his rawness, though his speed and pass-rush potential are undeniable. Drew Shelton offers talent and upside as an offensive tackle project, while LT Overton brings power and versatility to the defensive line despite not having his strongest college season.

Standout Selection: Jaishawn Barham, EDGE/LB, Michigan (Round 3, Pick 92)

Barham’s explosive athleticism and relentless pursuit of the ball stand out immediately. He has experience rushing the edge and dropping into coverage as a linebacker. While he can sometimes lose discipline and is undersized for a full-time edge role, he has the potential to become a versatile defender in the right system — similar to how Zack Baun was utilized in Philadelphia.

Full Draft Class:

Round 1, Pick 11: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

Round 1, Pick 23: Malachi Lawrence, EDGE, UCF

Round 3, Pick 92: Jaishawn Barham, EDGE, Michigan

Round 4, Pick 112: Drew Shelton, OT, Penn State

Round 4, Pick 114: Devin Moore, CB, Florida

Round 4, Pick 137: LT Overton, EDGE, Alabama

Round 7, Pick 218: Anthony Smith, WR, East Carolina

New York Giants – Grade: A

Overall Assessment

The Giants had one of the strongest drafts in the league. They landed Arvell Reese, considered by many the best non-quarterback prospect in the class, at the fifth overall pick. They then secured the future of their offensive line by drafting Francis Mauigoa, who can start right away at guard and has the potential to grow into a franchise tackle thanks to his strong technique and power.In the second round, they found excellent value with Colton Hood, a physical corner who possesses first-round traits. Jack Kelly adds depth at linebacker and should contribute on special teams immediately.

Standout Selection: Malachi Fields, WR, Notre Dame (Round 3, Pick 74)

Fields gives the Giants exactly what they needed to support Malik Nabers — a big, physical receiver who wins contested catches and is willing to block. His skill set complements Nabers well and should help create a more balanced and dangerous passing attack alongside quarterback Jaxson Dart.

Full Draft Class:

Round 1, Pick 5: Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State

Round 1, Pick 10: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami

Round 2, Pick 37: Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee

Round 3, Pick 74: Malachi Fields, WR, Notre Dame

Round 6, Pick 186: Bobby Jamison-Travis, OT, Auburn

Round 6, Pick 192: J.C. Davis, OT, Illinois

Round 6, Pick 193: Jack Kelly, LB, BYU

Philadelphia Eagles – Grade: B+

Overall Assessment

With rumors of life after A.J. Brown, the Eagles moved up to select USC wide receiver Makai Lemon. While Lemon thrives from the slot, his ability to create yards after the catch should add much-needed explosiveness to the offense. Eli Stowers brings impressive athleticism at tight end but needs to improve his blocking. Markel Bell has the size and traits to eventually replace Lane Johnson at right tackle. Cole Payton is a highly athletic quarterback with rushing ability who could develop into a versatile weapon.

Standout Selection: Uar Bernard, DT, Nigeria (Round 7, Pick 251)

Bernard is an International Player Pathway Program signee who shocked scouts with his athletic testing, including a record-setting 4.63-second 40-yard dash for a player over 300 pounds. Though he has no prior American football experience, his raw physical tools make him an intriguing developmental project.

Full Draft Class:

Round 1, Pick 20: Makai Lemon, WR, USC

Round 2, Pick 54: Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt

Round 3, Pick 68: Markel Bell, OT, Miami

Round 5, Pick 178: Cole Payton, QB, North Dakota State

Round 6, Pick 207: Micah Morris, G, Georgia

Round 7, Pick 244: Cole Wisniewski, S, Texas Tech

Round 7, Pick 251: Uar Bernard, DT, Nigeria

Round 7, Pick 252: Keyshawn James-Newby, EDGE, New Mexico

Washington Commanders – Grade: B+

Overall Assessment

Dan Quinn may have finally found his long-term middle linebacker in Sonny Styles. The Ohio State product combines size, range, and football intelligence, making him effective against both the run and the pass. Antonio Williams was a somewhat surprising pick at receiver, but his smooth, reliable style fills a specific need. Joshua Josephs adds pass-rush depth on the edge.

Standout Selection: Kaytron Allen, RB, Penn State (Round 6, Pick 187)

Allen brings a powerful, between-the-tackles running style that complements the existing backfield. He may not have elite speed, but his vision and physicality allow him to consistently gain positive yardage and wear down defenses.

Full Draft Class:

Round 1, Pick 7: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

Round 3, Pick 71: Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson

Round 5, Pick 147: Joshua Josephs, EDGE, Tennessee

Round 6, Pick 187: Kaytron Allen, RB, Penn State

Round 6, Pick 209: Matt Gulbin, C, Michigan State

Round 7, Pick 223: Athan Kaliakmanis, QB, Rutgers

NFC North Division

Chicago Bears – Grade: B

Overall Assessment

Chicago made logical, scheme-fitting selections throughout the draft. Dillon Thieneman strengthens the safety group alongside new free agent Coby Bryant. Logan Jones provides a long-term solution at center that fits Ben Johnson’s zone-running scheme perfectly.

Standout Selection: Sam Roush, TE, Stanford (Round 3, Pick 69)

Even with Colston Loveland and Cole Kmet already on the roster, the Bears added another athletic tight end who can block and stretch the field. Having three tight ends with both blocking and receiving skills gives the offense excellent flexibility.

Full Draft Class:

Round 1, Pick 25: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon

Round 2, Pick 57: Logan Jones, C, Iowa

Round 3, Pick 69: Sam Roush, TE, Stanford

Round 3, Pick 89: Zavion Thomas, WR, LSU

Round 4, Pick 124: Malik Muhammad, CB, Texas

Round 5, Pick 166: Keyshaun Elliott, LB, Arizona State

Round 6, Pick 213: Jordan van den Berg, DT, Georgia Tech

Detroit Lions – Grade: B-

Overall Assessment

The Lions added stability to the offensive line with Blake Miller, a reliable right tackle from Clemson. Derrick Moore bolsters the edge rush to pair with Aidan Hutchinson, while Kendrick Law brings speed and big-play ability on offense and returns.

Standout Selection: Keith Abney II, CB, Arizona State (Round 5, Pick 157)

Abney is a physical corner who excels in run support and should contribute well from the slot. His toughness and football intelligence made this a solid mid-round value pick.

Full Draft Class:

Round 1, Pick 17: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson

Round 2, Pick 44: Derrick Moore, EDGE, Michigan

Round 4, Pick 118: Jimmy Rolder, LB, Michigan

Round 5, Pick 157: Keith Abney, CB, Arizona State

Round 5, Pick 168: Kendrick Law, WR, Kentucky

Round 6, Pick 205: Skyler Gill-Howard, DT, Texas Tech

Round 7, Pick 222: Tyre West, DT, Tennessee

Green Bay Packers – Grade: C+

Overall Assessment

The Packers used their early selection on Micah Parsons to help make up for not having a first-round pick…

Final Thoughts

This report covers the NFC East and NFC North based on the draft analysis available. A full review of all 32 teams would include the remaining NFC and all AFC divisions.

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